INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY 2021
Bonnie Raitt joins Robby Romero on his classic single Prayer Song, 10 October 1992 at the Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, Ca. / Photo by Lisa Law
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 11, 2021 | Native Children’s Survival
“Since the beginning, Native Peoples lived a life of being in harmony with all that surrounds us. It is a belief that all humankind are related to each other. Each has a purpose, spirit and sacredness. It is an understanding with the Great Spirit or Creator that we will follow these ways. And in this understanding we believe we are related to all other living species.”
In 1992, the California Bay Area Indian Alliance convinced the city council of Berkeley to declare 12 October a Day of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. Berkeley became the first U.S. city to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, setting a precedent for other cities and states to follow.
The origin and development of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in 1977 with a delegation of Indigenous Peoples at the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. This historic conference, sponsored by the United Nations, was held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, from 20-23 September. Russell Means, national director of the American Indian Movement (AIM), followed by more than a hundred Indigenous representatives, including Onondaga Faithkeeper, Chief Oren Lyons, seen left in the photograph above, gave the keynote speech.
On October 8, 2021, Joe Biden, the 46th and current president of the United States, signed a presidential proclamation declaring October 11 to be a U.S. national holiday.
“As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day — let us always remember and embrace the wisdom, courage, and remarkable resilience of our sisters and brothers, whose voice and vision continue to be an Indigenous Call to Consciousness. ”
LIST OF EVENTS
VIRTUAL
Rising Hearts second annual Indigenous Peoples Day virtual 5k, 10k, 13.1
WHEN: Upload times and photos Oct. 9 through Oct. 17
WHERE: Anywhere
MORE INFO: The event is open to everyone, but registration includes a fee. Sponsorship is available. Proceeds are either donated or go to Rising Heart programs. Awards include a $50 gift card to first place winners of each distance. Event Website
American Indian College Fund's Indigenous Peoples Day concert
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 10
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual
MORE INFO: American Indian College Fund's virtual concert to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Performances include Nathaniel Rateliff, Martha Redbone, Portugal. The Man, Jewel, the Indigo Girls, Brooke Simpson, The Ghost of Paul Revere, Sarah McLachlan, Frank Waln – and more – with special guest appearances by Robbie Robertson, Ziggy Marley, Téa Leoni, Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam, Kathryn Grody and Mandy Patinkin. Event Website
Native American USC Graduates Panel
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 7 p.m. PT
WHERE: Virtual
MORE INFO: Six Indigenous artists will discuss how the university has worked to develop and promote Indigenous voices. Hosted by Skinsfest in partnership with USC School of Cinematic Arts and USC VIsions and Voices. Event Website
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 9 - Sunday, Oct. 10
TIME: 3 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, ET
WHERE: Cincinnati, Ohio (virtual)
MORE INFO: This year’s Convergence brings together global Indigenous leaders and changemakers to offer healing through story sharing and solidarity. Event WebsiteLand Back and the Third Reconstruction: Truth Commission with the Shinnecock Nation
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET
WHERE: Virtual
MORE INFO: On October 11 we'll come together virtually to hear testimony on the impact of these injustices, how the community is organizing in response, and how we can act in solidarity to build a world that reflects our values. The event will also feature music and remarks from Poor People’s Campaign national co-chairs, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis. Event WebsiteBlack-Indigenous Youth Advancing Social Justice
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 1 p.m. ET
WHERE: Free webinar
MORE INFO: This Indigenous Peoples’ Day program highlights youth of blended Black and Native heritage who use art, activism, and policy to advance Black and Indigenous solidarity and affect positive change in their communities. Event WebsiteIndigenous Peoples Day Celebration hosted by Alaska Pacific University
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. AKDT
WHERE: APU Website, Facebook Page, YouTube Page
MORE INFO: No registration required. This virtual event will feature traditional dancing as well as speeches from community members and cultural leaders.Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with the DNC Native Caucus
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 5:30 p.m. ET / 4:30pm CT / 3:30pm MT / 2:30pm PT /1:30pm AK / 12:20pm HI
MORE INFO: Hear from Congresswoman Sharice Davids and DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. For inquiries, email Theresa Sheldon at sheldont@dnc.org.Indigenous Peoples Day from Tucson, Arizona
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
WHERE: Virtual
MORE INFO: Panels on “Tracing the Structural Violence of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Since 1492” and the film and speaker panel for “The Song of the Butterflies” require registration but will be streamed live on the Facebook Page (Indigenous Alliance Without Borders).
LIVE
EAST COAST
Northeast
Indigenous Peoples Day Boston Rally and March
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Park Street Station in Boston
MORE INFO: Native people have asked that Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor Indigenous Peoples, be declared on the second Monday in October. Event Website
Indigenous Peoples Day New York City
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 10 and Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: Sunday 11 a.m., Monday, 7 a.m.
WHERE: 20 Randall's Island Park, New York City
MORE INFO: Event Website
Indigenous Peoples' Day, Philly 2021 at Shackamaxon
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia
MORE INFO: Facebook Event Website
Ohio
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Art Exhibition
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 8 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), Saturday, Oct. 9 (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) & Sunday, Oct. 10 (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
WHERE: Wave Pool Gallery and the 21c Museum (Cincinnati, Ohio)
MORE INFO: New to the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence this year will be the first Indigenous-led, all Indigenous art exhibition in partnership with Wave Pool Gallery and the 21c Museum. Featuring 15 Indigenous and Native American artists from across Turtle Island. Opening night will be Friday, October 8th from 6pm to 9pm and the exhibit will remain on display during regular gallery hours Saturday through Sunday. The art exhibition will conclude with a potlatch dinner at Washington Park in Cincinnati beginning at 6pm on Monday, October 11, 2021. Event Website
Washington, DC area
People vs. Fossil Fuels
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11 - Friday, Oct. 15
TIME: Various
WHERE: Washington D.C.
MORE INFO: Event Website
CENTRAL
Oklahoma
Muskogee Oklahoma Native American Association’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 10 - Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 4 p.m., Sunday and 10 a.m., Monday
MORE INFO: Indigenous Film Festival Oct. 10 at the historic Roxy Theater in downtown Muskogee, Oklahoma at 220 W. Okmulgee Ave. Facebook Event Page Celebration on Oct. 11 at the Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St, Muscogee, Oklahoma. Facebook Event Page
Nebraska
2021 Nebraska Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Heritage Plaza (On Centennial Mall between L & M Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska)
MORE INFO: Celebrating Nebraska's Indigenous Peoples' Day. Events feature a tribal flag dedication ceremony in the Nebraska State Capitol, unveiling of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte sculpture. Facebook Event Website
Oklahoma
First Americans Museum hosts Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (The museum opens at 10 a.m. with official programming beginning at noon. The Mayoral Proclamation will start at 2 p.m.)
WHERE: First Americans Museum (659 First Americans Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73129)
MORE INFO: The First Americans Museum (FAM) is hosting a day of programming in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including $5 discounted admission tickets (free for FAM members and those who dress in Native American regalia), dances, a Mayoral Proclamation and indigenous-inspired activities. Partners include Oklahoma City University.
MOUNTAIN
South Dakota
Remembering the Children Walk
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Rapid City, South Dakota
MORE INFO: A memorial event for the children who attended and those who passed away while attending the Rapid City Indian Boarding School. MASKS REQUESTED. Event Website has details.
Boulder
Creative Nations Fashion Show
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 7 through Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 9 p.m. local time
WHERE: Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Colorado
MORE INFO: Indigenous Arts Market, a film festival, music, dance performances and a fashion show. Facebook Event
Montana
Indigenous Peoples Day Montana Call to Action
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Missoula County Courthouse (200 W. Broadway)
MORE INFO: Urging Montana to embrace Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Bring face masks and signs. Coffee and donuts will be served.
New Mexico
Indigenous Peoples Day 5K & 10K Run
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 9 - Monday, Oct. 11
WHERE: Virtual. Potential in person event at 1 Sagebrush Street, Isleta, New Mexico.
MORE INFO: The event is in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day with a "Leaving no one behind" theme. To register and for the latest in person information, visit the Event Website
NATIVE LAND Campaign Announcement hosted by Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. in Albuquerque, NM
MORE INFO: Live music and food truck. Bow & Arrow Brewing releases a special Blue Corn Saison “Rise to the Sun” Collab with Revelry Brewing in South Carolina. Event Website
March and Rally Indigenous People's Day
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 5 p.m.
WHERE: 1800 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque
MORE INFO: Four Zoom events are also scheduled on Oct. 9 and Oct. 100. Event Website
Arizona
Morning Bike Ride
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 7 a.m.
WHERE: Black Bird Bike Co., 116 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix, Arizona
MORE INFO: An Indigenous Peoples' Day solidarity bike ride. Meet at 6:30 a.m. and ride out at 7 a.m. Hosted by Cahokia. Details
Cahokia Grand Opening
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 7 p.m.
WHERE: 707 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona
MORE INFO: Experience Arizona’s first Indigenous womxn-owned art gallery and the nation's first Indigenous womxn-led art and social-tech space in the country. Event is free, but the VIP experience is $50 and the after party is $25. After Party performances by Mato Wayuhi and Foreshadow. Event Website
WEST COAST
California
Alcatraz Sunrise Gathering
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11
TIME: 6 a.m.
COST: $11
WHERE: Ticket booth opens at 4:15 a.m. Boats will depart Pier 33 at approximately 5:00 a.m., 5:15 a.m., and 5:45 a.m. Children under 5 years of age are free.
MORE INFO: Event Website